He stated that the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas would make efforts to popularize usage of Renewable Energy Sources for lighting in the rural areas and usage of LPG for cooking as a viable alternative to usage of Kerosene and fuel wood respectively.

The Minister said that the Oil Marketing Companies would make efforts to spread the network of LPG in the rural areas to ensure greater access to the rural population.

Minister also stated that efforts would be made to develop green belts around major installations such as refineries for mitigating pollution. Latest technologies shall be adopted and ISO certifications taken for environmental management systems to ensure least contribution to the carbon footprints.

Pradhan stated that it would be his Ministry’s effort to introduce piped natural gas supply for domestic, commercial and industrial consumption, thereby reducing the adverse impact on environment.